Question

Which of the following autotrophs are the dominant producers of marine ecosystems?

• A. benthic brown algae, coastal red algae and daphnids
• B. benthic diatoms and marine viruses
• C. sea grasses and slime moulds
• D. free floating, micro algae, cyanobacteria and nanoplankton

Answer 1

The correct option is D free floating, micro algae, cyanobacteria and nanoplankton

Free-floating green algae and cyanobacteria are seen in large number in marine ecosystems. These algae with the green pigment chlorophyll, have high photosynthetic efficiency and serve as the dominant producers of the marine ecosystems. The brown algae and red algae found deeper in the marine ecosystems, with lower light penetration are not as photosynthetically efficient and are lesser in number compared to the dominant producers.